After failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup following their group-stage elimination from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the Copper Queens’ hopes of seeking redemption by qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games suffered a major setback after they lost 2-1 to Uganda in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers on Thursday.

Prisca Chilufya opened the scoring just six minutes into the match following a cutback by captain Barbra Banda, but Uganda quickly took control and dominated proceedings before Agness Nabukenya equalised from a free kick in the 34th minute.

The Copper Queens struggled to retain possession and complete their passes, while Uganda looked dangerous whenever they attacked, with the first half ending 1-1.

The Crested Cranes of Uganda found the winning goal in the 58th minute through Silvia Kabene, who was left completely unmarked inside the box before heading home from close range to give the hosts the advantage.

Haalubono post-match reaction

Copper Queens coach Charles Haalubono attributed the defeat to fatigue, noting that some of his players arrived late for camp, while also pointing to the challenge of adapting to the artificial turf.

“First half we didn’t play well. We were too much in a low block, which gave Uganda a lot of space to play. But in the second half, we played far much better, and unfortunately, we conceded. So something which we have to work on when we go back to Zambia,” Haalubono said after the match.

“The other problem which we had was the artificial turf, so for them to get used to such the surface, it took us time.

“Then I think they had a little bit of fatigue because they didn’t run as much in terms of pressing. They were quite behind in terms of pressing, so maybe if they rest more, they’ll be better,” concluded Haalubono.

Zambia must now overturn the deficit on Tuesday in Ndola to keep their hopes of advancing to the third round of the qualifiers alive.